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How Do You Recognise A Fairy? An Illustrated Talk

@ Newcastle Castle

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Older beliefs about fairies were rarely written down and hardly ever illustrated. The fairies of folklore didn’t look much like ‘Tinkerbell’, and were certainly not suitable companions for small children!

This illustrated talk, given by cultural historian Gail-Nina Anderson, tracks how fairies changed once they moved from being creatures of oral folklore to being visualised via the expectations of academic art, then re-created within a sentimentalised concept of childhood and imagination.

Our familiar fairies tend to be small, cute and obligingly eco-conscious, but these creatures essentially developed from Victorian artistic traditions. These creatures are far removed from those portrayed in today’s books and cartoons, where gossamer wings and flower-petal skirts are the fashion (although fairy godmothers are usually allowed a matronly gown and a steeple hat!).

This talk takes place in the Black Gate, which is fully accessible to wheelchair users. The discussion touches upon grown-up themes, so is only suitable for ages 14+.

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